1
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(Respect copyright)

2
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♪Memories hold you back
from fulfilling your dreams♪

3
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♪Only by moving forward
can you find reunion♪

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♪Endings only mark new routes♪

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♪It's all part of the scenery♪

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♪To the horizon's call♪

7
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♪Your journey hasn't started♪

8
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♪Towards mountains,
chase the stars bright♪

9
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♪Let time embrace you
and wash away the past♪

10
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♪Put every twist behind you♪

11
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♪Drift leisurely through time♪

12
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♪Make headway against the wind♪

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♪Let mountains bow to your pace♪

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♪Rush towards a life without regret♪

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♪Let your nature burst free♪

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=The First Jasmine=

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=Episode 37=

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♪My life is full of ups and downs♪

19
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♪Every wound shows traces of love♪

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♪I've seen all the withering plants
in this world♪

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♪Until you went over the hills♪

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♪To come close to me♪

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♪I saw your tender yet unwavering eyes♪

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♪Quietly full of joy and sorrow♪

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♪When it's over, I stand in the light♪

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♪In the reunion,
I comprehend the parting♪

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♪With half a lifetime of separation,
I send love to the distance♪

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♪As I travel through wind and frost,
I gaze at your figure♪

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♪You never forget me,
and I always miss you♪

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♪Even with gray hair,
I still look like I was in my youth♪

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♪I ask, have you been well♪

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♪Unafraid, as time strips away the past♪

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♪Revealing the unforgettable textures♪

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♪Those regrets fade with the years♪

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♪In every dawn and dusk, life endures♪

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♪With half a lifetime of separation,
I let love grow wild♪

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♪Through the wind and frost,
you come to my side♪

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I will definitely come back safely.

39
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Then I wish you

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a victorious first battle,

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and a swift return home.

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♪You say,
there's still a long way ahead♪

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Your Highness.

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Your Highness, bad news!

45
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Terrible!

46
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The people of the capital

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have surrounded Prince Li's Mansion.

48
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What's going on?

49
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News of Prince Li's rebellion
has spread.

50
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The people have been stirred up
by those with ulterior motives,

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and gone to Prince Li's Mansion.

52
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I hope Princess Li would be fine.

53
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Who's there?

54
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Your Highness.

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Stop.

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They say the battles in the north
are related to His Highness.

57
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His Highness is still alive,

58
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isn't he?

59
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Now,

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Mo Jingli's rebellion

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is known to all.

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Prince Li's Mansion is no longer safe.

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There must be a battle
between the court and Mo Jingli.

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Dachu will fall into chaos.

65
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Then what should I do?

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Even if you now announce to the world

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that you've parted ways with him
and drawn a clear line,

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you will still be at risk.

69
00:05:40,936 --> 00:05:42,856
So you must leave
the capital immediately.

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Find a secret place and hide well

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until everything settles.

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I'll go find him.

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Are you insane?

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Ye Ying.

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I understand you.

76
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But you can't drain yourself dry

77
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trying to light a lamp
you simply can't light.

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Ye Li.

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I only know

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that since His Highness left,

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I haven't had
a single good night's sleep.

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My heart feels
as if it's been carved out

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and placed over a fire to roast.

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I just...

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just want to see him one more time.

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Please, let me go.

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Li.

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This journey is perilous.

89
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Have you truly made up your mind?

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After I leave,

91
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please tell Mom

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that I

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have gone on a long journey

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to clear my mind.

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Alright.

96
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Just let these people take her away?

97
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She's made up her mind.
There's no way to stop her.

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This battle against Mo Jingli

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will ruin the peace at Suixue Pass
and bring chaos to it.

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It's truly despicable and hateful.

101
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Any news from Prince Ding?

102
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He has fought against Cangbei for years.

103
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Mo Jingli isn't a real threat yet.

104
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Don't worry.

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Prince Ding will be fine.

106
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He promised me

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he would return safely.

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Your Highness,

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don't stand here in the wind.

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It's getting cold.
Careful not to catch a chill.

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By this hour,

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Ye Ying should have crossed
the Qingzhou border.

113
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The front line is perilous.

114
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Is Princess Li truly
going to Luoxia Pass

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to seek Prince Li?

116
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Will she be able to see Prince Ding?

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Your Highness.

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(We escorted Princess Li
out of the capital days ago.)

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(The front line is perilous.)

120
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(For Princess Li's safety,)

121
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(we have now settled her
at a residence in Qingshi Township.)

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(We hereby report to Your Highness.)

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And here.

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Has Mo Xiuyao arrived with his troops?

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Yes.

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The emperor has appointed him

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as Commander of Northern Border Campaign

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to quell the rebellion.

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He is now inside Luoxia Pass.

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Perfect timing.

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Leading the elite troops of Suixue Pass,
Mo Jingli captured three cities.

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He's been recruiting soldiers
and incorporating bandits.

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When he reached Heishui River,

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he had over 80,000 soldiers,

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with strong momentum.

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General Deng,

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how are our forces?

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Including
the garrison forces in the pass

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and the hastily conscripted militia,
we have under 30,000 soldiers.

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That's less than
half the enemy's strength.

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Reinforcements?

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Still on the way,

143
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but they need more time to arrive.

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Carts and horses can't pass here.

145
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It's defensible.

146
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This area

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has a narrow pass,
easy to defend and hard to attack.

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Dispatch soldiers to defend it.

149
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This is the supply transport route.

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We must ensure its absolute safety.

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Luoxia Pass must not be captured.

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Once it got captured,

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behind it lies
a thousand miles of flat plains,

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with no defensible terrain.

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The rebels could
reach the capital within ten days.

156
00:11:59,097 --> 00:12:00,136
The survival of our nation

157
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rests on all of you.

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We must

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win this battle.

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- We'll defend the pass with our lives!
- We'll defend the pass with our lives!

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00:12:12,937 --> 00:12:14,896
You've been transferred
to the Imperial Court.

162
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Why did you volunteer
to endure this hardship with me?

163
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Behind Luoxia Pass is my home.

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I remember it.
Xiaoshui County in Lingzhou.

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We will protect it well.

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Come on, guests.

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Want to check this?

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Of course.

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Senior.

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That's it.

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I searched everywhere but failed.

172
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I never thought

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I truly left it here.

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Our staff picked it up.

175
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I knew at a glance it was yours.

176
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I thought to send someone
to deliver it to you after closing.

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00:12:58,937 --> 00:12:59,937
I happened to be

178
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on my way to work,
so it saves you trouble.

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How is it?

180
00:13:05,376 --> 00:13:06,097
Recently,

181
00:13:06,736 --> 00:13:08,177
how has business been at the shop?

182
00:13:10,577 --> 00:13:11,616
You saw it for yourself.

183
00:13:12,337 --> 00:13:15,016
There are few people in the shop
and few on the streets.

184
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The staff outnumber the customers.

185
00:13:18,016 --> 00:13:18,937
The war is deadlocked.

186
00:13:20,016 --> 00:13:21,217
So, people are unsettled.

187
00:13:23,376 --> 00:13:24,097
Has His Highness

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00:13:24,736 --> 00:13:26,177
sent any letters home?

189
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Not for half a month.

190
00:13:32,977 --> 00:13:35,136
I heard some whispers
at the Ministry of Revenue.

191
00:13:36,097 --> 00:13:37,896
Minister Cui has been frowning lately,

192
00:13:38,337 --> 00:13:40,376
saying the supplies
at front line are running low,

193
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requiring the urgent transport.

194
00:13:46,057 --> 00:13:46,817
Li.

195
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Rest assured.

196
00:13:49,457 --> 00:13:51,440
His Highness
is a master of military strategy.

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He'll defeat the enemy safely.

198
00:13:54,136 --> 00:13:55,136
Of course.

199
00:13:59,056 --> 00:14:01,616
Prince Ding joined the army young
and fought hundreds of battles.

200
00:14:01,616 --> 00:14:03,016
Despite the peril at Suixue Pass,

201
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he still turned the tide.

202
00:14:04,697 --> 00:14:07,496
The current situation is far less dire,
so he'll surely win.

203
00:14:09,177 --> 00:14:11,097
Steward Tang, you are wrong.

204
00:14:11,297 --> 00:14:12,097
First,

205
00:14:12,136 --> 00:14:14,496
Luoxia Pass is not
a formidable fortress.

206
00:14:14,656 --> 00:14:15,937
It lacks terrain advantage.

207
00:14:16,697 --> 00:14:19,337
Last year's droughts and floods
disrupted the transport canals,

208
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making the supplies transport difficult.

209
00:14:22,417 --> 00:14:23,177
Second,

210
00:14:23,376 --> 00:14:25,817
Prince Li's forces
are skilled frontier troops,

211
00:14:26,136 --> 00:14:27,536
but our forces are not the same.

212
00:14:27,736 --> 00:14:29,177
We accept the battle in haste.

213
00:14:29,297 --> 00:14:31,792
We are inferior in
both numbers and experience.

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00:14:32,697 --> 00:14:34,217
- In my opinion...
- In my opinion,

215
00:14:34,217 --> 00:14:36,337
heaven protects Dachu.
Our army will surely win!

216
00:14:37,256 --> 00:14:39,616
Stop it. Don't you see
whose shop this is?

217
00:14:44,817 --> 00:14:45,776
Make way!

218
00:14:46,448 --> 00:14:47,044
Hyah!

219
00:14:47,817 --> 00:14:48,577
Make way!

220
00:14:48,977 --> 00:14:50,177
Report from Luoxia Pass!

221
00:14:54,977 --> 00:14:56,016
Where is Duke Hua?

222
00:14:58,776 --> 00:14:59,776
Your Majesty,

223
00:15:00,496 --> 00:15:03,417
Duke Hua is gravely ill
and has taken leave to recuperate.

224
00:15:06,376 --> 00:15:08,016
We lost the first battle at Luoxia Pass.

225
00:15:08,016 --> 00:15:09,136
What are your thoughts?

226
00:15:09,337 --> 00:15:10,136
Your Majesty,

227
00:15:10,536 --> 00:15:11,417
in my opinion,

228
00:15:11,736 --> 00:15:13,496
victory and defeat
are both common in battle.

229
00:15:13,496 --> 00:15:15,417
Though the rebels won temporarily,

230
00:15:15,776 --> 00:15:18,457
our reinforcements
from the southwest and southeast

231
00:15:18,457 --> 00:15:20,016
are already on their way to assist.

232
00:15:20,337 --> 00:15:22,697
Once Prince Ding
consolidates the forces,

233
00:15:22,697 --> 00:15:25,097
he will surely wipe out
the rebels in one swift move.

234
00:15:25,577 --> 00:15:26,376
Your Majesty,

235
00:15:26,937 --> 00:15:27,817
as the saying goes,

236
00:15:27,896 --> 00:15:29,616
"Think first of defeat,
then of victory."

237
00:15:30,097 --> 00:15:31,177
In my opinion,

238
00:15:31,736 --> 00:15:34,376
several units must be exhausted
from long-distance marches.

239
00:15:34,376 --> 00:15:36,097
They should not
go directly to Luoxia Pass.

240
00:15:36,496 --> 00:15:38,417
They should establish
a second line of defense

241
00:15:38,417 --> 00:15:41,097
behind it at Shuangtuo Ridge
and prepare for battles.

242
00:15:41,097 --> 00:15:42,776
If Luoxia Pass falls,

243
00:15:42,776 --> 00:15:44,624
we can still halt the enemy,

244
00:15:44,937 --> 00:15:46,297
and protect the capital region.

245
00:15:46,656 --> 00:15:48,776
Our front-line forces
are fighting outnumbered.

246
00:15:49,177 --> 00:15:51,097
It's common for the outcome
to be unpredictable.

247
00:15:52,016 --> 00:15:54,417
Shuangtuo Ridge in the rear
holds high ground,

248
00:15:54,616 --> 00:15:57,177
but just thirty li to its west
lies flat plains.

249
00:15:57,337 --> 00:15:58,977
If the rebels take a detour,

250
00:15:59,977 --> 00:16:01,536
there will be no defensible terrain.

251
00:16:02,016 --> 00:16:04,376
In that case, just divide our forces
to defend strictly.

252
00:16:04,656 --> 00:16:05,977
Dividing our forces to defend?

253
00:16:06,057 --> 00:16:06,776
Absurd!

254
00:16:06,776 --> 00:16:08,616
Dividing our forces can't defend at all.

255
00:16:09,457 --> 00:16:10,297
It is truly

256
00:16:10,616 --> 00:16:12,337
a waste of manpower.

257
00:16:13,697 --> 00:16:16,080
You are merely a Vice Director
of the Ministry of Revenue.

258
00:16:16,080 --> 00:16:16,817
What do you know?

259
00:16:17,256 --> 00:16:18,697
How dare you question me?

260
00:16:19,376 --> 00:16:21,177
I am not familiar
with battle formations,

261
00:16:21,977 --> 00:16:24,297
but I do know
a little about calculation.

262
00:16:24,536 --> 00:16:27,817
There are seven paths of varying sizes
around Shuangtuo Ridge.

263
00:16:27,937 --> 00:16:30,417
If we divide our forces,
our military strength will be divided.

264
00:16:30,457 --> 00:16:33,496
Then what about supplies,
transport, and consumption?

265
00:16:33,977 --> 00:16:36,616
Reinforcements not going to the front,
but retreating to the rear.

266
00:16:36,736 --> 00:16:38,817
May I ask how many books
on the art of war you read?

267
00:16:38,817 --> 00:16:39,817
You!

268
00:16:39,937 --> 00:16:40,697
Enough!

269
00:16:42,656 --> 00:16:43,616
What do you think?

270
00:16:45,616 --> 00:16:46,417
Your Majesty,

271
00:16:46,977 --> 00:16:47,817
in my opinion,

272
00:16:47,856 --> 00:16:49,736
victory or defeat
is a matter of the moment.

273
00:16:50,337 --> 00:16:52,417
The court should remain steady.

274
00:16:52,536 --> 00:16:54,097
Front line might suffer minor setbacks.

275
00:16:54,136 --> 00:16:56,536
And we must be even more stable.

276
00:16:57,097 --> 00:16:59,016
If we panic and lose our composure,

277
00:16:59,417 --> 00:17:02,136
it will only cause more trouble.

278
00:17:02,457 --> 00:17:03,256
Your Majesty.

279
00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:06,377
I make bold to petition.

280
00:17:06,377 --> 00:17:07,776
Be cautious about internal threats.

281
00:17:08,400 --> 00:17:11,440
The collapse of a great edifice
often begins with rot in its beams.

282
00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:12,752
Your Majesty.

283
00:17:23,736 --> 00:17:25,016
All those ministers in court

284
00:17:25,056 --> 00:17:26,217
get paid from the government,

285
00:17:26,617 --> 00:17:29,496
yet at this critical moment,
none can relieve my worries.

286
00:17:29,576 --> 00:17:31,496
They are all just empty talkers!

287
00:17:33,776 --> 00:17:34,617
Minister Murong,

288
00:17:34,857 --> 00:17:35,897
what is your view?

289
00:17:38,296 --> 00:17:39,417
Calm down, Your Majesty.

290
00:17:39,776 --> 00:17:42,776
They are all loyal and concerned
for the nation, hence the debate.

291
00:17:43,377 --> 00:17:45,137
However, this matter is too significant.

292
00:17:45,536 --> 00:17:47,657
It still requires
Your Majesty's decision.

293
00:17:47,657 --> 00:17:48,496
Gongshu Yang,

294
00:17:48,736 --> 00:17:49,576
speak.

295
00:17:49,736 --> 00:17:50,536
Your Majesty,

296
00:17:50,736 --> 00:17:52,417
may I speak frankly?

297
00:17:52,897 --> 00:17:53,736
Go ahead.

298
00:17:54,897 --> 00:17:56,296
As you command.

299
00:17:58,296 --> 00:18:00,617
Most of the ministers
aren't well-versed in military,

300
00:18:00,617 --> 00:18:02,736
but they are all well-read.

301
00:18:02,736 --> 00:18:04,897
There are military strategies
passed down in the books.

302
00:18:05,576 --> 00:18:06,816
For a simple fact

303
00:18:06,816 --> 00:18:08,296
that dividing forces now isn't wise,

304
00:18:08,336 --> 00:18:10,296
I bet everyone knows.

305
00:18:11,177 --> 00:18:12,217
In my opinion,

306
00:18:12,457 --> 00:18:14,768
what they're worried about is

307
00:18:15,377 --> 00:18:17,776
that they fear Prince Ding
might rebel with troops in hand.

308
00:18:18,296 --> 00:18:19,217
Eight years ago,

309
00:18:19,296 --> 00:18:22,296
Prince Ding's brother, Mo Xiuwen,
came back to rescue the late emperor,

310
00:18:22,296 --> 00:18:23,776
yet met such a tragic end.

311
00:18:24,576 --> 00:18:25,536
Now,

312
00:18:25,736 --> 00:18:27,776
the battle at Luoxia Pass
is at a stalemate.

313
00:18:27,937 --> 00:18:29,377
No one can be certain

314
00:18:29,496 --> 00:18:32,496
that Prince Ding
is absolutely loyal to you.

315
00:18:32,697 --> 00:18:33,496
But

316
00:18:33,897 --> 00:18:36,177
what the ministers think doesn't matter.

317
00:18:36,457 --> 00:18:37,417
What matters

318
00:18:37,736 --> 00:18:39,536
is what you think.

319
00:18:40,816 --> 00:18:42,217
You had him quell the rebels,

320
00:18:42,336 --> 00:18:44,096
yet feared he might
use the troops to rebel.

321
00:18:44,096 --> 00:18:45,496
You feared he might

322
00:18:45,496 --> 00:18:47,096
collude with Mo Jingli like Li Duo.

323
00:18:47,096 --> 00:18:49,496
You feared Dachu would
collapse in an instant.

324
00:18:49,496 --> 00:18:50,256
How dare you!

325
00:18:54,457 --> 00:18:55,897
I deserve death.

326
00:18:56,016 --> 00:18:57,617
Calm down, Your Majesty.

327
00:19:09,336 --> 00:19:10,296
Your Majesty,

328
00:19:10,536 --> 00:19:12,137
the Empress Dowager has returned.

329
00:19:42,776 --> 00:19:43,576
Mother.

330
00:19:48,336 --> 00:19:49,736
Is everything okay?

331
00:19:50,296 --> 00:19:51,137
You look

332
00:19:51,336 --> 00:19:52,496
quite fine.

333
00:19:53,256 --> 00:19:54,296
I am fine.

334
00:19:54,937 --> 00:19:56,897
Has your health improved, Mother?

335
00:19:57,137 --> 00:19:58,816
Enjoy the life at the temporary palace?

336
00:19:59,776 --> 00:20:01,336
That place is serene and refined.

337
00:20:01,457 --> 00:20:03,177
I am also well in every way.

338
00:20:05,857 --> 00:20:07,776
Mother, you suddenly returned.

339
00:20:08,457 --> 00:20:10,177
Is it because you heard
about the battle?

340
00:20:14,736 --> 00:20:17,336
I returned for these orchids.

341
00:20:18,016 --> 00:20:20,377
I have been tending them
since I entered the palace.

342
00:20:21,177 --> 00:20:23,697
Repotting them at spring,
warming them in the room in winter.

343
00:20:23,736 --> 00:20:25,177
I've never entrusted them to others.

344
00:20:25,897 --> 00:20:27,217
I feared

345
00:20:27,457 --> 00:20:30,352
the bumpy journey would damage them,
so I didn't bring them along.

346
00:20:30,617 --> 00:20:32,937
I entrusted two reliable maids
to care for them.

347
00:20:33,424 --> 00:20:34,776
But while I was away,

348
00:20:35,056 --> 00:20:36,816
I feared
they wouldn't be well cared for.

349
00:20:37,177 --> 00:20:38,897
Unable to rest easy, so I came back.

350
00:20:40,417 --> 00:20:42,177
But I was overthinking.

351
00:20:42,977 --> 00:20:44,177
They are well cared for.

352
00:20:46,377 --> 00:20:47,776
Mother, if you returned

353
00:20:48,296 --> 00:20:49,937
and saw these flowers already withered,

354
00:20:50,336 --> 00:20:52,417
would you regret
entrusting them to others?

355
00:20:55,457 --> 00:20:56,256
No.

356
00:20:57,336 --> 00:20:59,177
Because at the moment of entrusting,

357
00:20:59,576 --> 00:21:01,697
I had already made the best choice.

358
00:21:02,457 --> 00:21:03,296
Besides,

359
00:21:03,937 --> 00:21:05,617
as long as the roots are not withered,

360
00:21:06,336 --> 00:21:09,137
there is always a way
to turn things around.

361
00:21:09,617 --> 00:21:11,736
You should only use those you trust.

362
00:21:12,056 --> 00:21:13,177
It's a basic principle.

363
00:21:17,096 --> 00:21:18,377
Thank you for your guidance.

364
00:21:33,296 --> 00:21:35,496
Mother, are you no longer angry with me?

365
00:21:38,177 --> 00:21:40,937
In my youth, I always thought

366
00:21:41,016 --> 00:21:42,417
there was only one path to take.

367
00:21:43,256 --> 00:21:44,897
I pushed aside those blocking me.

368
00:21:45,177 --> 00:21:46,496
I eliminated those against me.

369
00:21:47,256 --> 00:21:49,177
After situations changed,

370
00:21:50,617 --> 00:21:52,457
I only realized that what's done

371
00:21:53,977 --> 00:21:55,937
is done, and can't be undone.

372
00:21:56,617 --> 00:21:58,496
I was also like this when I was young.

373
00:21:59,457 --> 00:22:01,217
I thought some paths must be taken

374
00:22:01,457 --> 00:22:02,697
and fought for.

375
00:22:03,056 --> 00:22:04,937
But looking back, I can't even tell

376
00:22:05,256 --> 00:22:06,496
whether it was worth it or not.

377
00:22:08,016 --> 00:22:09,016
I made a mess.

378
00:22:09,897 --> 00:22:11,177
So, did you come back

379
00:22:11,217 --> 00:22:12,816
to clean up the mess for me?

380
00:22:16,816 --> 00:22:17,937
I came back

381
00:22:18,776 --> 00:22:20,056
because I missed you.

382
00:22:25,977 --> 00:22:28,736
Duke, this is your first time
at Anqing Palace, right?

383
00:22:30,857 --> 00:22:33,177
I am old and frail,

384
00:22:34,056 --> 00:22:36,336
and can no longer serve the country.

385
00:22:37,496 --> 00:22:40,377
Why would I trouble Your Majesty?

386
00:22:41,937 --> 00:22:43,617
So, Duke, why are you

387
00:22:43,977 --> 00:22:44,977
coming today?

388
00:22:48,816 --> 00:22:49,617
Everyone, leave.

389
00:22:59,177 --> 00:23:00,617
To me,

390
00:23:01,576 --> 00:23:03,816
there's one thing

391
00:23:04,536 --> 00:23:06,377
I can't let go of.

392
00:23:10,217 --> 00:23:14,137
Forty-six people at Lishan Academy

393
00:23:16,056 --> 00:23:18,576
perished from an illness.

394
00:23:21,177 --> 00:23:22,336
I know

395
00:23:23,056 --> 00:23:25,417
you and Master Qingyun
were close friends.

396
00:23:25,897 --> 00:23:26,736
The court

397
00:23:26,977 --> 00:23:28,657
has compensated the bereaved families

398
00:23:28,657 --> 00:23:29,816
and rebuilt the academy,

399
00:23:30,096 --> 00:23:31,217
to comfort the departed.

400
00:23:32,776 --> 00:23:33,617
Duke,

401
00:23:33,937 --> 00:23:35,137
you must restrain your grief.

402
00:23:36,736 --> 00:23:39,977
But I recently learned

403
00:23:41,897 --> 00:23:46,377
that Lishan Mountain was besieged
by troops for eight whole years,

404
00:23:47,377 --> 00:23:49,377
lacking food and medicine.

405
00:23:50,457 --> 00:23:53,296
Lishan Mountain
was full of talented people,

406
00:23:54,617 --> 00:23:58,617
and even had a renowned physician
like Master Helai.

407
00:23:58,897 --> 00:24:01,496
How could an acute illness

408
00:24:01,496 --> 00:24:02,937
cause such calamity?

409
00:24:03,816 --> 00:24:05,496
I want to know,

410
00:24:07,016 --> 00:24:08,217
was Lishan Mountain's tragedy

411
00:24:08,697 --> 00:24:10,776
truly a natural disaster entirely

412
00:24:11,697 --> 00:24:14,256
with no human intervention?

413
00:24:15,457 --> 00:24:17,360
I did send troops back then,

414
00:24:18,016 --> 00:24:19,776
but had no intention of besieging.

415
00:24:20,457 --> 00:24:22,377
Then what do you mean?

416
00:24:26,377 --> 00:24:27,857
Qingyun

417
00:24:28,417 --> 00:24:31,576
blocked your path to the throne.

418
00:24:33,336 --> 00:24:35,177
Didn't you hate him?

419
00:24:35,457 --> 00:24:38,217
It was Lu Changfu
who besieged Lishan Mountain.

420
00:24:38,697 --> 00:24:42,056
Did you truly not know
what he was doing?

421
00:24:44,816 --> 00:24:46,697
So, Duke, you're here today

422
00:24:46,977 --> 00:24:48,736
to pin this groundless accusation

423
00:24:48,736 --> 00:24:50,336
on me?

424
00:24:52,736 --> 00:24:54,032
Lishan Mountain was besieged,

425
00:24:54,256 --> 00:24:55,336
lacking food and medicine.

426
00:24:55,857 --> 00:24:57,576
I only learned about it today as well.

427
00:24:57,937 --> 00:24:58,857
Moreover,

428
00:24:59,096 --> 00:25:00,937
the one who went to Lishan
eight years ago

429
00:25:00,977 --> 00:25:03,336
was you, not me.

430
00:25:11,457 --> 00:25:12,256
Indeed.

431
00:25:13,096 --> 00:25:13,897
Indeed.

432
00:25:15,576 --> 00:25:18,977
It was I who begged Qingyun
to seal itself off back then,

433
00:25:20,296 --> 00:25:21,177
only to

434
00:25:21,697 --> 00:25:24,177
thwart your ambition to the throne.

435
00:25:30,657 --> 00:25:31,977
In that case,

436
00:25:33,016 --> 00:25:34,288
are you

437
00:25:34,960 --> 00:25:36,056
feeling guilty,

438
00:25:36,137 --> 00:25:37,177
unable to sleep at night,

439
00:25:37,937 --> 00:25:40,096
so seeking a scapegoat

440
00:25:40,576 --> 00:25:43,096
to place your own remorse?

441
00:25:45,904 --> 00:25:46,640
Yes.

442
00:25:48,336 --> 00:25:50,736
I failed Qingyun.

443
00:25:52,657 --> 00:25:53,457
I let him

444
00:25:54,016 --> 00:25:56,576
and the entire Lishan bear it all.

445
00:25:57,697 --> 00:25:59,137
For the rest of my life,

446
00:25:59,736 --> 00:26:01,457
I will find it hard to be at peace.

447
00:26:01,736 --> 00:26:02,576
However,

448
00:26:03,897 --> 00:26:05,256
lately,

449
00:26:05,417 --> 00:26:06,937
I cannot help but recall

450
00:26:08,816 --> 00:26:10,576
the great fire at the Eastern Palace,

451
00:26:11,617 --> 00:26:13,256
the lost decree,

452
00:26:14,417 --> 00:26:16,256
and the sealing of Lishan.

453
00:26:16,536 --> 00:26:17,857
Whether all of these

454
00:26:18,256 --> 00:26:22,736
were truly tribulations
of the nation's fate,

455
00:26:23,496 --> 00:26:24,336
or

456
00:26:24,736 --> 00:26:27,937
the schemes on your path to power.

457
00:26:28,977 --> 00:26:30,096
In these matters,

458
00:26:30,496 --> 00:26:32,457
are you truly

459
00:26:33,137 --> 00:26:35,336
completely innocent?

460
00:26:38,192 --> 00:26:40,576
The Hua family has served
the nation for three generations.

461
00:26:40,576 --> 00:26:42,177
I have always held it in high regard.

462
00:26:43,256 --> 00:26:45,177
But don't think that this
gives you the right

463
00:26:45,657 --> 00:26:47,576
to pin this fabricated accusation on me.

464
00:26:54,697 --> 00:26:58,296
I am 71 years old this year,

465
00:26:59,177 --> 00:27:00,977
sick, disabled, and frail.

466
00:27:02,417 --> 00:27:04,536
What else is there to fear?

467
00:27:05,857 --> 00:27:08,096
I only seek the truth.

468
00:27:10,177 --> 00:27:11,897
Whether you believe it or not,

469
00:27:12,336 --> 00:27:13,536
the Lishan Mountain matter

470
00:27:13,776 --> 00:27:15,296
truly has nothing to do with me.

471
00:27:28,816 --> 00:27:30,657
Since you are unwell,

472
00:27:31,256 --> 00:27:32,096
from now on,

473
00:27:32,417 --> 00:27:34,296
you should rest easy
and recuperate at home.

474
00:27:35,096 --> 00:27:36,296
You don't need

475
00:27:37,056 --> 00:27:38,336
to worry about court affairs.

476
00:27:38,336 --> 00:27:39,457
You!

477
00:27:55,096 --> 00:27:55,937
Duke.

478
00:27:58,736 --> 00:27:59,857
Do you

479
00:28:00,217 --> 00:28:01,536
wish to die here,

480
00:28:02,296 --> 00:28:03,576
just to confirm

481
00:28:04,137 --> 00:28:06,697
the slander
that I persecute loyal ministers?

482
00:28:07,736 --> 00:28:08,697
Your Majesty.

483
00:28:10,496 --> 00:28:13,256
The will of Heaven cannot be disobeyed.

484
00:28:14,177 --> 00:28:16,857
The will of the people
cannot be disobeyed.

485
00:28:18,496 --> 00:28:19,986
Your own conscience

486
00:28:21,296 --> 00:28:23,697
cannot be disobeyed.

487
00:28:25,897 --> 00:28:27,376
I just

488
00:28:27,920 --> 00:28:29,496
hope,

489
00:28:30,897 --> 00:28:34,336
when you meet the late emperor

490
00:28:35,096 --> 00:28:36,416
and those who died unjustly

491
00:28:36,416 --> 00:28:38,736
in the netherworld in the future,

492
00:28:39,697 --> 00:28:42,657
you can also be at peace.

493
00:28:46,897 --> 00:28:48,657
(I was also like this when I was young.)

494
00:28:49,857 --> 00:28:51,496
I thought some paths must be taken

495
00:28:51,697 --> 00:28:52,816
and fought for.

496
00:28:53,137 --> 00:28:55,016
But looking back, I can't even tell

497
00:28:55,296 --> 00:28:56,536
whether it was worth it or not.

498
00:29:34,536 --> 00:29:36,056
- Careful, Your Highness.
- Your Highness.

499
00:29:43,457 --> 00:29:44,296
Your Highness.

500
00:29:44,296 --> 00:29:46,137
Please come down. You might fall.

501
00:29:46,137 --> 00:29:47,417
Be careful, Your Highness.

502
00:29:48,496 --> 00:29:49,217
Your Highness.

503
00:29:49,217 --> 00:29:50,897
The baby bird's mother is back.

504
00:29:51,336 --> 00:29:52,857
Come down, Your Highness.

505
00:29:53,617 --> 00:29:54,536
Be careful.

506
00:29:55,177 --> 00:29:56,377
Don't peck me.

507
00:29:56,977 --> 00:29:58,776
Your child fell down.

508
00:29:58,776 --> 00:30:00,377
I am just sending it home.

509
00:30:06,832 --> 00:30:07,632
- Be careful.
- Li.

510
00:30:07,760 --> 00:30:09,336
- Ms. Wen.
- What are you doing up there?

511
00:30:10,056 --> 00:30:11,977
- A baby bird fell down.
- Careful!

512
00:30:11,977 --> 00:30:13,056
I'm sending it back.

513
00:30:13,296 --> 00:30:14,137
Be careful.

514
00:30:15,816 --> 00:30:16,496
Come on.

515
00:30:18,217 --> 00:30:20,336
You didn't have to go up yourself.

516
00:30:20,336 --> 00:30:21,336
Are you okay?

517
00:30:21,617 --> 00:30:22,536
I'm fine.

518
00:30:22,536 --> 00:30:23,697
I enjoy the exercise.

519
00:30:23,816 --> 00:30:24,617
Your Highness.

520
00:30:24,736 --> 00:30:25,536
Ms. Wen.

521
00:30:26,377 --> 00:30:27,056
Your Highness.

522
00:30:28,736 --> 00:30:29,417
Your Highness.

523
00:30:29,417 --> 00:30:30,217
Ms. Wen.

524
00:30:30,256 --> 00:30:31,857
A letter from the frontier has arrived.

525
00:30:39,377 --> 00:30:40,177
I just heard

526
00:30:40,336 --> 00:30:41,336
about a major defeat.

527
00:30:41,336 --> 00:30:41,977
What?

528
00:30:41,977 --> 00:30:43,137
Has Luoxia Pass fallen?

529
00:30:43,137 --> 00:30:43,736
No.

530
00:30:43,736 --> 00:30:44,536
Really?

531
00:30:45,016 --> 00:30:45,697
Tell me more.

532
00:30:45,697 --> 00:30:46,657
How is Luoxia Pass?

533
00:30:46,977 --> 00:30:47,816
It hasn't fallen.

534
00:30:47,816 --> 00:30:49,096
But over 20,000 people died.

535
00:30:49,536 --> 00:30:50,776
So many corpses and blood.

536
00:30:50,776 --> 00:30:51,776
Over 20,000 people died?

537
00:30:51,776 --> 00:30:53,056
Doesn't that mean it's fallen?

538
00:30:53,816 --> 00:30:54,736
Not that many.

539
00:30:54,736 --> 00:30:55,536
Only 2,000 killed.

540
00:30:55,536 --> 00:30:57,137
I heard the enemy lost even more.

541
00:30:57,177 --> 00:30:59,016
But I heard earlier

542
00:30:59,016 --> 00:31:00,657
that Prince Ding
has sided with Prince Li.

543
00:31:00,657 --> 00:31:01,336
When?

544
00:31:01,336 --> 00:31:02,336
Prince Ding defected?

545
00:31:02,576 --> 00:31:04,096
I heard that too. It's everywhere.

546
00:31:04,096 --> 00:31:05,296
- It's true.
- He defected?

547
00:31:05,336 --> 00:31:06,512
Prince Ding defected.

548
00:31:07,016 --> 00:31:08,377
Prince Li is coming.

549
00:31:09,496 --> 00:31:10,336
Hurry!

550
00:31:12,096 --> 00:31:13,617
What's going on?

551
00:31:14,937 --> 00:31:16,256
I'm relieved now.

552
00:31:18,256 --> 00:31:19,056
Wuyou.

553
00:31:19,217 --> 00:31:20,977
Why didn't you go to school today?

554
00:31:23,177 --> 00:31:25,177
The teacher said
it's been unsettled lately,

555
00:31:25,377 --> 00:31:26,776
and told me to stay home.

556
00:31:29,697 --> 00:31:30,496
That's fine.

557
00:31:30,977 --> 00:31:32,857
If you don't go, I will teach you.

558
00:31:34,457 --> 00:31:35,256
Come.

559
00:31:35,377 --> 00:31:36,857
Xi, go prepare some tea.

560
00:31:36,857 --> 00:31:37,657
Yes.

561
00:31:42,897 --> 00:31:43,617
Your Highness.

562
00:31:43,617 --> 00:31:44,417
Ms. Wen.

563
00:31:44,857 --> 00:31:46,096
Go head. What's the matter?

564
00:31:46,977 --> 00:31:48,576
Rumors are spreading wildly outside.

565
00:31:48,576 --> 00:31:50,217
Some say Luoxia Pass has fallen,

566
00:31:50,217 --> 00:31:51,417
and others say

567
00:31:52,296 --> 00:31:53,576
that His Highness defected.

568
00:31:54,617 --> 00:31:55,697
Nonsense!

569
00:31:55,937 --> 00:31:57,657
Xiuyao's letter clearly stated

570
00:31:57,697 --> 00:31:59,296
that the front line faces minor defeats,

571
00:31:59,296 --> 00:32:00,536
but both sides are tied.

572
00:32:00,536 --> 00:32:01,897
How dare they spread rumors!

573
00:32:03,536 --> 00:32:04,657
Are the rumors widespread?

574
00:32:04,816 --> 00:32:05,657
Your Highness.

575
00:32:05,657 --> 00:32:06,377
Yes.

576
00:32:06,657 --> 00:32:08,096
People are all talking about it.

577
00:32:08,096 --> 00:32:09,937
It's causing widespread panic.

578
00:32:12,536 --> 00:32:14,417
Go to Jingzhao Prefecture
and find Gu Zheng.

579
00:32:14,617 --> 00:32:16,697
Have him investigate
the source of these rumors.

580
00:32:17,336 --> 00:32:18,457
Such rumors

581
00:32:18,897 --> 00:32:20,336
would never be spread from nowhere.

582
00:32:20,496 --> 00:32:23,016
I bet someone
is deliberately stirring up trouble.

583
00:32:23,977 --> 00:32:24,776
Yes.

584
00:32:29,576 --> 00:32:30,377
Li.

585
00:32:31,657 --> 00:32:32,457
Ms. Wen.

586
00:32:33,056 --> 00:32:34,016
Everything will be fine.

587
00:32:46,816 --> 00:32:47,617
Your Majesty.

588
00:32:48,496 --> 00:32:49,336
You

589
00:32:49,657 --> 00:32:51,536
should at least eat something.

590
00:32:51,816 --> 00:32:52,897
Perhaps His Majesty

591
00:32:53,417 --> 00:32:55,016
has been delayed by state affairs.

592
00:32:58,457 --> 00:33:00,112
With the war at a stalemate,

593
00:33:00,417 --> 00:33:01,840
military reports are piling up.

594
00:33:02,256 --> 00:33:04,336
His Majesty is surely
too busy to get away.

595
00:33:06,736 --> 00:33:07,897
He won't come.

596
00:33:08,217 --> 00:33:09,697
Please don't think that way.

597
00:33:09,697 --> 00:33:10,697
He will come.

598
00:33:10,897 --> 00:33:12,697
You've raised His Majesty
since his childhood.

599
00:33:12,897 --> 00:33:13,897
Deep mother-son bond.

600
00:33:15,736 --> 00:33:16,617
Perhaps

601
00:33:17,096 --> 00:33:18,496
he was burdened by various thoughts

602
00:33:18,736 --> 00:33:20,080
and couldn't figure out for now.

603
00:33:20,296 --> 00:33:21,657
After His Majesty thinks it over,

604
00:33:21,697 --> 00:33:24,096
he'll understand your efforts
to protect him all along.

605
00:33:25,897 --> 00:33:26,736
Really?

606
00:33:27,137 --> 00:33:28,736
Of course, it's true.

607
00:33:29,496 --> 00:33:31,336
Nothing can beat

608
00:33:31,336 --> 00:33:32,937
the mother-son bond.

609
00:33:34,857 --> 00:33:35,657
Besides,

610
00:33:36,217 --> 00:33:38,056
there was an urgent report this morning.

611
00:33:38,657 --> 00:33:39,736
Rumors spread

612
00:33:40,016 --> 00:33:41,496
that Prince Ding suffered defeats.

613
00:33:41,496 --> 00:33:42,897
He might have defected.

614
00:33:42,937 --> 00:33:43,937
Now, His Majesty

615
00:33:43,937 --> 00:33:45,417
might be

616
00:33:45,496 --> 00:33:46,897
worrying about this matter.

617
00:33:49,256 --> 00:33:50,056
Indeed.

618
00:33:50,617 --> 00:33:51,897
We are mother and son.

619
00:33:52,697 --> 00:33:54,617
He is my only child.

620
00:33:55,336 --> 00:33:56,496
That is exactly the point.

621
00:33:56,697 --> 00:33:58,096
His Majesty just began his reign.

622
00:33:58,177 --> 00:33:59,336
He still needs your advice

623
00:33:59,417 --> 00:34:01,536
on many important matters.

624
00:34:02,857 --> 00:34:04,016
Yanqi is kind-hearted

625
00:34:04,217 --> 00:34:05,617
and inexperienced.

626
00:34:06,256 --> 00:34:08,616
I need to support him more.

627
00:34:10,496 --> 00:34:12,417
Now, whether Prince Ding

628
00:34:12,457 --> 00:34:14,737
harbors resentment to the court
is still a question.

629
00:34:15,937 --> 00:34:16,696
This time,

630
00:34:16,937 --> 00:34:18,656
he holds military power again.

631
00:34:19,136 --> 00:34:21,216
We must remain vigilant.

632
00:34:31,337 --> 00:34:32,937
Deliver a portion of Golden Milk Pastry

633
00:34:33,056 --> 00:34:34,257
to Prince Ding's Mansion

634
00:34:35,337 --> 00:34:36,696
and invite Princess Ding to come.

635
00:34:37,337 --> 00:34:38,136
I wish

636
00:34:38,937 --> 00:34:40,337
to enjoy the flowers with her.

637
00:34:43,656 --> 00:34:44,457
Yes.

638
00:34:44,696 --> 00:34:45,696
I'll go handle it.

639
00:34:59,496 --> 00:35:00,297
Your Highness.

640
00:35:03,897 --> 00:35:05,496
This is bestowed by Her Majesty.

641
00:35:21,297 --> 00:35:22,257
Look at you,

642
00:35:22,377 --> 00:35:24,016
you seem to have lost some weight.

643
00:35:24,696 --> 00:35:26,616
Are the household affairs troubling you?

644
00:35:27,616 --> 00:35:28,897
Thank you for your concern.

645
00:35:29,857 --> 00:35:31,016
Recently,

646
00:35:31,176 --> 00:35:33,656
I have had trouble sleeping
due to missing His Highness.

647
00:35:34,016 --> 00:35:35,417
Sorry to worry you.

648
00:35:36,377 --> 00:35:38,000
Prince Ding is fighting at the frontier.

649
00:35:38,192 --> 00:35:40,457
Managing the household alone
is no easy task.

650
00:35:44,457 --> 00:35:45,817
Look at these chrysanthemums.

651
00:35:46,457 --> 00:35:47,696
They bloom in the frost,

652
00:35:48,297 --> 00:35:50,937
yet still cannot withstand
the power of changing seasons.

653
00:35:53,016 --> 00:35:54,176
All things in the world

654
00:35:55,096 --> 00:35:56,977
must follow the natural order.

655
00:35:59,096 --> 00:36:01,096
It's getting cold lately.

656
00:36:03,176 --> 00:36:04,297
Take care of yourself.

657
00:36:05,576 --> 00:36:07,977
I will keep your kind advice in mind.

658
00:36:09,897 --> 00:36:12,297
We've received
many battle reports from the frontier.

659
00:36:12,977 --> 00:36:14,696
The situation seems unfavorable.

660
00:36:16,656 --> 00:36:18,576
Prince Ding leading the troops far away

661
00:36:19,016 --> 00:36:21,576
must be having a difficult time.

662
00:36:22,297 --> 00:36:23,176
Your Majesty.

663
00:36:23,777 --> 00:36:25,496
Being able to serve the court

664
00:36:25,656 --> 00:36:26,817
is his duty.

665
00:36:27,257 --> 00:36:29,777
With Your Majesty and His Majesty
commanding the court,

666
00:36:29,857 --> 00:36:32,176
I am confident
that he could turn danger into safety.

667
00:36:32,696 --> 00:36:33,817
Prince Ding is valiant.

668
00:36:34,096 --> 00:36:36,297
I also have confidence in him.

669
00:36:37,897 --> 00:36:39,457
However, in the court,

670
00:36:39,616 --> 00:36:41,696
there are inevitably
some ignorant people

671
00:36:41,857 --> 00:36:42,977
trying to stir up trouble.

672
00:36:43,576 --> 00:36:44,696
I heard

673
00:36:45,297 --> 00:36:47,337
that some people are questioning

674
00:36:47,337 --> 00:36:49,096
Prince Ding's military strategy.

675
00:36:50,056 --> 00:36:51,297
How absurd!

676
00:36:54,096 --> 00:36:55,216
The art of warfare

677
00:36:55,777 --> 00:36:58,937
lies in the right timing,
advantage of terrain, and unity of men.

678
00:36:59,496 --> 00:37:00,857
Temporary gains and losses

679
00:37:01,216 --> 00:37:02,817
may not determine the final outcome.

680
00:37:03,696 --> 00:37:04,817
You are so kind,

681
00:37:04,977 --> 00:37:06,576
shielding His Highness in every way.

682
00:37:06,897 --> 00:37:09,096
I also believe in His Highness.

683
00:37:10,496 --> 00:37:12,817
It is best that you think this way.

684
00:37:13,457 --> 00:37:14,496
However, in recent days,

685
00:37:14,656 --> 00:37:16,457
you should leave the mansion less often,

686
00:37:17,016 --> 00:37:18,897
to avoid hearing improper words,

687
00:37:19,216 --> 00:37:20,297
which might annoy you.

688
00:37:23,136 --> 00:37:23,937
I heard

689
00:37:24,297 --> 00:37:25,817
rumors circulate among the people.

690
00:37:27,857 --> 00:37:28,696
Yes.

691
00:37:30,496 --> 00:37:31,377
Sit down.

692
00:37:36,937 --> 00:37:38,136
Why don't you

693
00:37:38,176 --> 00:37:40,417
stay in the palace for a few days?

694
00:37:41,257 --> 00:37:44,096
First, it can spare you the loneliness
of staying in the chamber alone.

695
00:37:44,737 --> 00:37:45,536
Second,

696
00:37:45,576 --> 00:37:47,696
you can avoid those ignorant people.

697
00:37:48,817 --> 00:37:50,417
When Prince Ding returns in triumph,

698
00:37:50,857 --> 00:37:52,977
he can see you safe and sound.

699
00:37:55,817 --> 00:37:57,576
I am willing to stay in the palace

700
00:37:57,576 --> 00:37:59,016
to heed Your Majesty's teachings.

701
00:37:59,496 --> 00:38:01,216
It could also ease His Highness's mind

702
00:38:01,216 --> 00:38:02,297
during his campaign.

703
00:38:12,457 --> 00:38:13,457
Her Majesty said

704
00:38:13,457 --> 00:38:15,656
you could settle in here
with peace of mind.

705
00:38:15,696 --> 00:38:17,777
If you need anything,
just tell the palace maids.

706
00:38:18,297 --> 00:38:19,457
Thank you, Senior Eunuch.

707
00:38:20,457 --> 00:38:22,096
Your Highness, don't mention it.

708
00:38:23,016 --> 00:38:25,297
Serve Princess Ding well.
Let there be no mistake.

709
00:38:26,297 --> 00:38:27,096
- Yes.
- Yes.

710
00:38:28,656 --> 00:38:30,096
If you have no further instructions,

711
00:38:30,257 --> 00:38:31,817
I shall take my leave first.

712
00:38:48,777 --> 00:38:50,377
Please prepare some tea
for Her Highness.

713
00:38:51,297 --> 00:38:52,096
- Yes.
- Yes.

714
00:39:06,937 --> 00:39:07,777
(Yao.)

715
00:39:08,576 --> 00:39:09,576
(Hope you're doing well.)

716
00:39:10,800 --> 00:39:12,616
(I have been
in the Empress Dowager's palace)

717
00:39:12,616 --> 00:39:14,096
(for a while now.)

718
00:39:15,016 --> 00:39:16,616
(Early autumn has arrived recently.)

719
00:39:17,216 --> 00:39:19,216
(Thin frost covers the steps
early morning.)

720
00:39:20,337 --> 00:39:21,536
(I often lean by the window,)

721
00:39:22,096 --> 00:39:24,297
(watching the small patch of sky
framed by the window.)

722
00:39:25,536 --> 00:39:27,016
(Clouds occasionally drift by.)

723
00:39:27,417 --> 00:39:28,417
(They come hastily,)

724
00:39:29,016 --> 00:39:30,337
(and then go hastily,)

725
00:39:30,777 --> 00:39:32,257
(never staying for anyone.)

726
00:39:33,817 --> 00:39:35,257
(The days in the palace are long.)

727
00:39:36,096 --> 00:39:37,857
(Occasionally,
I play a game of Go alone.)

728
00:39:38,377 --> 00:39:41,337
(On the Go board, I lose track of time.)

729
00:39:42,536 --> 00:39:44,576
(However, the rules on the Go board)

730
00:39:44,576 --> 00:39:46,216
(are sometimes puzzling.)

731
00:39:47,496 --> 00:39:49,817
(A move that is clearly meant
to expand and explore)

732
00:39:50,176 --> 00:39:53,136
(is often criticized by onlookers
for being too sharp)

733
00:39:53,857 --> 00:39:55,216
(and easily inviting disaster.)

734
00:39:55,777 --> 00:39:57,297
(Better to retreat for safety.)

735
00:39:58,777 --> 00:40:00,016
(A chess piece has no will.)

736
00:40:00,377 --> 00:40:01,536
(Where it'll be put)

737
00:40:02,096 --> 00:40:03,656
(is entirely up to the player.)

738
00:40:05,096 --> 00:40:05,897
(Yao.)

739
00:40:06,536 --> 00:40:07,696
(If you were here,)

740
00:40:08,377 --> 00:40:10,937
(you would surely understand
the meaning behind these moves.)

741
00:40:13,016 --> 00:40:14,417
(Two days ago, I received new tea.)

742
00:40:14,737 --> 00:40:16,336
(Sweet in taste yet cold by nature.)

743
00:40:16,937 --> 00:40:18,992
(After drinking,
I often wake up in the late night.)

744
00:40:19,656 --> 00:40:21,520
(Suddenly, I heard
wild geese's cries outside.)

745
00:40:22,056 --> 00:40:23,136
(Sounded urgent,)

746
00:40:23,737 --> 00:40:24,937
(as if urging a return home.)

747
00:40:26,337 --> 00:40:28,144
(I recalled the bitter cold
at the frontier.)

748
00:40:28,457 --> 00:40:30,897
(By now, the north wind
must be howling fiercely.)

749
00:40:32,216 --> 00:40:33,817
(I hope you take good care of yourself)

750
00:40:34,576 --> 00:40:35,857
(and keep warm.)

751
00:40:38,216 --> 00:40:39,600
(Moonlight is like a silk ribbon.)

752
00:40:39,817 --> 00:40:41,056
(I send my longing from afar,)

753
00:40:42,696 --> 00:40:44,297
(wishing the moonlight shines upon you.)

754
00:40:45,656 --> 00:40:46,937
(A letter from your wife,)

755
00:40:47,777 --> 00:40:48,417
(Li.)

756
00:40:57,937 --> 00:40:58,737
Your Highness.

757
00:40:59,496 --> 00:41:02,257
You've been reading
this two-page letter for two hours.

758
00:41:02,696 --> 00:41:04,176
Is there some hidden meaning

759
00:41:04,817 --> 00:41:05,857
in Her Highness's letter?

760
00:41:08,457 --> 00:41:10,096
Her Majesty summoned Li to the palace,

761
00:41:10,096 --> 00:41:12,696
saying to keep her company,
but actually to hold her hostage.

762
00:41:14,016 --> 00:41:16,496
It seems someone in the palace
fears my military power

763
00:41:17,457 --> 00:41:18,257
and suspects

764
00:41:18,777 --> 00:41:20,457
that I have colluded with Mo Jingli.

765
00:41:23,088 --> 00:41:24,496
So they are holding her hostage

766
00:41:24,777 --> 00:41:25,977
to restrain me.

767
00:41:30,297 --> 00:41:32,817
Any report on the enemy's encampment?

768
00:41:34,297 --> 00:41:35,656
As you predicted,

769
00:41:35,656 --> 00:41:37,417
they gather
on the west side of Jueyun Brook.

770
00:41:38,377 --> 00:41:39,176
Previously,

771
00:41:39,257 --> 00:41:41,016
Mo Jingli's camp was fortified
with terrain.

772
00:41:41,297 --> 00:41:42,576
His command tent
was hidden deep,

773
00:41:42,576 --> 00:41:44,656
and the supply camp was
high up and heavily guarded.

774
00:41:44,656 --> 00:41:46,096
But after our army feigned defeat,

775
00:41:46,817 --> 00:41:47,897
abandoned the eastern pass,

776
00:41:48,297 --> 00:41:49,297
and pretended to retreat

777
00:41:49,297 --> 00:41:51,016
from Duanhun Slope and Suishi Valley,

778
00:41:51,817 --> 00:41:52,977
the enemy grows bolder.

779
00:41:53,616 --> 00:41:54,897
They're expanding their camp

780
00:41:55,337 --> 00:41:56,897
and relaxing their outer defenses.

781
00:41:57,536 --> 00:41:58,337
Yesterday,

782
00:41:58,417 --> 00:42:00,616
Mo Jingli even moved
his command tent three li forward.

783
00:42:00,817 --> 00:42:02,857
For the convenience of fetching water,

784
00:42:02,897 --> 00:42:04,977
they moved the supply camp
to a lower canyon area.

785
00:42:05,176 --> 00:42:06,257
Now it seems

786
00:42:06,576 --> 00:42:08,457
that they believe
our forces have collapsed,

787
00:42:08,696 --> 00:42:09,457
and want

788
00:42:10,096 --> 00:42:11,257
to strike Luoxia Pass.

789
00:42:11,696 --> 00:42:12,977
Arrogance courts defeat.

790
00:42:13,977 --> 00:42:15,656
Order the army to be ready for battle.

791
00:42:16,897 --> 00:42:17,696
This battle

792
00:42:18,536 --> 00:42:19,824
must be settled swiftly.

793
00:42:20,696 --> 00:42:21,496
Yes.

794
00:42:43,568 --> 00:42:46,224
(Preview)

795
00:42:47,016 --> 00:42:48,897
Prince Ding set an ambush
at Jueyun Brook,

796
00:42:48,977 --> 00:42:50,737
wiping out Mo Jingli's main rebel force.

797
00:42:50,977 --> 00:42:52,400
The leader Mo Jingli's on the run.

798
00:42:52,400 --> 00:42:53,857
They are currently pursuing him.

799
00:42:54,056 --> 00:42:55,472
The people of Lishan Mountain

800
00:42:55,857 --> 00:42:57,257
did die of an acute illness.

801
00:42:57,656 --> 00:42:58,817
Lacking food and medicine

802
00:42:59,257 --> 00:43:00,176
is undeniable.

803
00:43:00,377 --> 00:43:01,777
Are you blaming me?

804
00:43:02,136 --> 00:43:03,496
Merits and faults are clear.

805
00:43:03,977 --> 00:43:05,096
The justice in this world

806
00:43:05,616 --> 00:43:07,937
is never as simple as
offsetting one with the other.

807
00:43:14,736 --> 00:43:21,328
♪Memories hold you back
from fulfilling your dreams♪

808
00:43:24,912 --> 00:43:31,056
♪Only by moving forward
can you find reunion♪

809
00:43:33,264 --> 00:43:36,496
♪Endings only mark new routes♪

810
00:43:36,720 --> 00:43:42,736
♪It's all part of the scenery♪

811
00:43:43,056 --> 00:43:46,480
♪To the horizon's call♪

812
00:43:46,544 --> 00:43:53,104
♪Your journey hasn't started♪

813
00:43:54,160 --> 00:43:58,096
♪Towards mountains,
chase the stars bright♪

814
00:43:58,096 --> 00:44:03,792
♪Both joy and grief
make the trip worthwhile♪

815
00:44:04,304 --> 00:44:12,912
♪Trying to catch up
to your own lost shadow♪

816
00:44:13,808 --> 00:44:19,312
♪Within the wilds, echoes thrive♪

817
00:44:19,312 --> 00:44:24,816
♪Clear mind leads to a clear path♪

818
00:44:24,880 --> 00:44:28,944
♪Be grateful to your losses♪

819
00:44:29,232 --> 00:44:34,456
♪Make your steps weightless♪

820
00:44:35,056 --> 00:44:38,768
♪Towards mountains,
chase the stars bright♪

821
00:44:38,800 --> 00:44:44,464
♪Let time embrace you
and wash away the past♪

822
00:44:45,232 --> 00:44:53,200
♪Put every twist behind you,
drift leisurely through time♪

823
00:44:54,608 --> 00:44:59,856
♪Make headway against the wind,
let mountains bow to your pace♪

824
00:45:00,112 --> 00:45:06,016
♪Rush towards a life without regret♪

825
00:45:06,016 --> 00:45:10,136
♪Let your nature burst free♪

826
00:45:10,352 --> 00:45:15,088
♪Unbound by form♪

827
00:45:16,304 --> 00:45:20,576
♪Let your nature burst free♪

828
00:45:20,816 --> 00:45:26,256
♪Unbound by form♪